a revolutionary way to extend the service life of structures.meaning they affect both anodic and...

A Revolutionary Way to Extend the Service Life of Structures.

Simple... Sure... Safe.

Cortec® Corporation is the global leader in corrosion inhibitor manufacturing, having been awarded more than 50 patents in corrosion inhibiting technology. Our MCI® (Migrating Corrosion Inhibitor) Technology protects rein-forcing metal in concrete from corrosion.

Corroded metal reinforcement is often the cause of deteriorated concrete – leading to costly repairs, financial losses, and potential injuries and death. Cortec® has the corrosion solution. MCIs reha-bilitate existing concrete structures and extend the life span of new structures. MCI® inhibitors are unique in their ability to migrate a considerable distance through concrete to protect embedded ferrous metals. Our MCI® products for concrete help maintain structural integrity, repair vulner-able structures, and alleviate environmental concerns.

Once a concrete structure is built, it is impossible to coat the reinforcing steel with fusion-bonded epoxy to protect it from corrosion. Cathodic protection is expensive, requires the steel reinforcement to be electrically continuous, and must be con-stantly monitored. Cortec® MCI®, however, can be easily added to new concrete or used for rehabilitation. It will not delay construction or increase construction costs other than the small cost of the material. Unlike standard inorganic inhibitors, Cortec® MCIs do not have to be in direct contact with the reinforcing steel upon application because they can migrate to the steel and protect it.

When specified in new construction, Cortec’s MCI® line of concrete admixtures offers reinforcing steel superior corrosion protection against carbonation and chloride attack.

New concrete initially provides an excellent protective atmosphere for steel. The concrete’s high alkalinity or pH causes a passive oxide film to form on steel rebar, protecting it from corrosion. However, environmental factors such as chlorides, carbonation, and industrial pollutants can lower the pH or compromise the passive oxide layer, putting reinforcing steel at greater risk for corrosion.

The corrosion process itself involves an electrochemical reaction in which parts of the rebar become active “anodic” points. Ions at these points flow to “cathodic” points where they react to form rust. Once started, the rate of corrosion is affected by the concrete’s electrical resistivity, moisture content, and the rate at which oxygen migrates through the concrete to the steel. As rust formation continues, it can take up to four times the volume originally occupied by the embedded reinforce-ment, causing cracking and spalling of the concrete.

ChloridesChloride ions can penetrate the passive oxide film on concrete reinforcement. Once chlorides reach a certain level in the con-crete, corrosion starts. Concrete can be exposed to chlorides from several different sources, including chloride-containing set accelerators, deicing salts, seawater, and airborne salts.

CarbonationCarbonation is the process by which carbon dioxide in the air reacts with hydroxides (such as calcium hydroxide) in the concrete to form carbonates. This reaction significantly lowers concrete pH. When the pH of concrete surrounding embedded reinforcing steel drops below 12, the protective oxide layer is lost, and the corrosion process begins.

Acid Rain/Industrial PollutantsAcids attack concrete by dissolving the cement paste and certain aggregates. They also reduce the pH of the concrete, allowing the corrosion process to begin, similar to the carbonation pro-cess. Pollutants such as sulfate attack the concrete by reacting with hydrated compounds in the hardened cement paste. These reactions can lead to disintegration of the concrete, making embedded reinforcement more susceptible to corrosive attack.

Causes of Corrosion in Concrete

How Do MCI® Admixtures Migrate into Concrete?

MCIs are based on amine technology (amine alcohols and amine carboxylates). They are classified as mixed inhibitors, meaning they affect both anodic and cathodic portions of a corrosion cell. MCIs adsorb onto metals, forming a protective molecular layer on metal surfaces. This film prevents corrosive elements from further reacting with embedded reinforce-ment and also reduces existing corrosion rates.

1) MCI® moves as a liquid into the concrete matrix. MCI® is admixed either with the batch water or directly into a mixer. With adequate mixing, the inhibitor is dispersed through the concrete.

2) MCI® moves in a vapor phase throughout the concrete pore structure. This movement is gov-erned by Fick’s Law, meaning molecules move randomly throughout the matrix from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

3) When MCI® comes in contact with steel, it has an ionic attraction to it, and forms its protective molecular layer. MCI's affinity to the metal is stronger than water, chlorides, and other corro-sive contaminants.

4) Independent testing has confirmed that MCI® can adsorb onto metal to a depth of 75-85 nm, forming a layer that is between 20 and 100 Å thick. In the same testing, chlorides were shown to penetrate only 60 nm deep. This confirmed the ability of MCI® to displace chlorides on the metal surface and provide protection even in their presence.

What is MCI®?

Cortec® Corporation can provide both portable and direct feed dispens-ing systems for dosing our admixtures into ready mix concrete.

Wall Mount Direct Feed

Portable Feed System in Protective Case

Equipment Calibration/Maintenance

There are test methods for evaluating MCI® performance and migration into concrete. These include (but are not limited to):

• ASTM C1582 – includes testing to show that MCI® admixtures do not affect the physical properties of the mix design, as well as testing to show the inhibitor can provide corrosion protection in a chloride environment (ASTM C494, G109, G180).

• UV Spectroscopy – used to evaluate the presence and migration of MCI® inhibitors in structures.

Cortec® Admixture Dispensing Equipment

How Do You Test MCI®?

Proven Effective in Long-Term Independent Tests

20 years

34 years

PolymerModifiedConcrete

MCI® -2000TreatedConcrete

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 Y e a r s

The chemical structure of MCI® admixtures is such that they do not decompose over an extended period of time, making them effective for periods in excess of 34 years. This effectiveness has been proven in two long-term independent test programs: The Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) and Cracked Beam studies based on ASTM G 109.

Predicted Service Life of Bridge Decks

The SHRP ProgramThe SHRP Program involved both lab testing and actual field installation on bridges throughout the USA.In comparison to Polymer Modified Concrete Overlays, MCI® treated concrete overlays demonstrated a dramatic extension of predicted service life.

Cracked Beam Corrosion TestingCracked beam tests are based on ASTM G 109. This is the standard test method for determining the effects of chemical admixtures on the corro-sion of embedded steel reinforcement in concrete exposed to chloride environments.

Concrete beams are cast and cracked, some containing MCI® admixtures and others not (control beams). A salt water solution is then ponded and rinsed periodically over a 1-1/2 year period. Corrosion current is measured in microamps and compared.

Long-Term Corrosion Studies

Control �BeamsArmatec �2000 �Beams

µA

-228

-121

After 1-1/2 years of severe exposure corrosion, activity has significantly decreased over control specimens.

MCI® Beams

ControlBeams

MCI® corrosion inhibiting admixtures do not compromise any of the physical properties of concrete at the recommended dosage rates.

For Producing High Durability Concrete That Resists the Harmful Effects of Corrosion

MCI®-2005

Control MCI 2005 Relative to Control ASTM C1582 Requirements Result

Initial Set (Minutes) 312 431 +119 +/- 210 minutes of control Meets Requirement

Final Set (Minutes) 404 524 +120 +/- 210 minutes of control Meets Requirement

Length Change (%) -0.025 -0.021 0.004 Max 0.010 over control Meets Requirement

Freeze Thaw Durability 99.1% 98.8% 99.8% RDF 80% Meets Requirement

MCI®-2006 NS

Control MCI 2006 NS Relative to Control ASTM C1582 Requirements Result




Freeze Thaw Durability 98.3 98.8 99.5 RDF 80% Meets Requirement

MCI®-2005 AL

Control MCI 2005 AL Relative to Control ASTM C1582 Requirements Result




Freeze Thaw Durability 99.3 99.0 99.8 RDF 80% Meets Requirement

MCI®-2005 NS

Control MCI 2005 NS Relative to Control ASTM C1582 Requirements Result



Length Change (%) -0.0245 0.021 0.003 Max 0.010 over control Meets Requirement

Freeze Thaw Durability 99.21 98.9 99.8% RDF 80% Meets Requirement

Cortec® MCI® Series Dramatically Reduces Corrosion in Concrete Structures. MCI® Protects Your Investment!

V i s i t o u r w e b s i t e f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n M C I ® . w w w . C o r t e c M C I . c o mTotal Corrosion Control

Cortec® Corporation is dedicated to controlling corrosion at ALL STAGES of a product life cycle. Cortec® has developed a diverse range of corrosion pro-tection products including cleaners, metalworking fluids, water- and oil-based coatings and corrosion inhibitors, rust removers, paint strippers, powders, packaging foams, paper, films and surface treatments and admixtures for concrete. Contact Cortec® for additional brochures and information.

All statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are based on tests Cortec® Corporation believes to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness thereof is not guaranteed.Cortec® Corporation warrants Cortec® products will be free from defects when shipped to customer. Cortec® Corporation’s obligation under this warranty shall be limited to replacement of product that proves to be defective. To obtain replacement product under this warranty, the customer must notify Cortec® Corporation of the claimed defect within six months after shipment of product to customer. All freight charges for replacement product shall be paid by customer.Cortec® Corporation shall have no liability for any injury, loss or damage arising out of the use of or the inability to use the products.

BEFORE USING, USER SHALL DETERMINE THE SUITABILITY OF THE PRODUCT FOR ITS INTENDED USE, AND USER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY WHAT SOEVER IN CONNECTION THERE WITH. No representation or recommendation not contained herein shall have any force or effect unless in a written document signed by an officer of Cortec® Corporation.THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO CASE SHALL CORTEC® CORPORATION BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Distributed by:Environmentally Safe VpCI®/MCI® Technologies

EXCELLENCE

QUA

ITY

®CORPORATION

4119 White Bear Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55110 USAPhone (651) 429-1100, Fax (651) 429-1122Toll Free (800) 4-CORTEC, E-mail info@ cortecvci.comInternet http://www.CortecMCI.com

Revised: 01/16 Supersedes: 09/10Cortec®, BioCorr®, BioCortec®, BioCushion™, Boiler Lizard®, Closed Loop Toad®, Cooling Tower Frog®, VpCI®, VpCI® Film Color of Blue®, VpCI-126®, VpCI-609®, VpCI-137®, VmCI-307®, EcoWorks®, EcoAir®, Eco-Corr®, EcoLine®, EcoClean®, EcoShield®, EcoWeave®, EcoSpray®, EcoCoat®, Eco Emitter™, EcoSol™, Eco-Tie™, Eco-Card™, Eco-Shrink™, EcoWrap®, Eco Film®, Cor-Mitt®, Cor-Pak®, CorShield®, CorSol®, Corrosorbers®, CorWipe®, CorrVerter®, Corr Seal®, CorrLam®, Corr-Fill™, Corrlube™, CRI®, Desicorr®, ElectriCorr®, GalvaCorr®, Super Corr®, HPRS®, CRI®, MCI®, MCI Grenade®, Milcorr®, Nano VpCI™, and Rust Hunter® are trademarks of Cortec® Corporation.©Cortec Corporation 2010. All rights reserved.

QU

ALITY SYSTEM REGISTERED

S Y S T E M R E G I S T E R E D

E N V I R O N M E N T A L

Product Description Dosage Rate Packaging Applications

Amin

oalc

ohol

Ba

sed

MCI®-2000 Liquid, aminoalcohol based concrete admixture. 1 pt/yd3 (0.62 l/m3) 5 gal (19 l) pails, 55 gal (208 l) drumsReinforced concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, highways, decks and lanais.

MCI®-2001 Powder, fumed silica/MCI®-2000 combination. 3 lb/yd3 (1.78 kg/m3)5 lb (2.3 kg) boxes, 50 lb (22.7 kg) and 100 lb (45.4 kg) drums

Reinforced concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, highways, decks and lanais.

Amin

e Ca

rbox

ylat

e Ba

sed

MCI®-2005Liquid, amine carboxylate based concrete admixture. Can retard concrete setting time 3-4 hours at 70º F (21º C). Patented.

1.0 pts/yd3 (0.6 1/m3) 5 gal (19 l) pails, 55 gal (208 l) drumsReinforced concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, highways, decks, and lanais.

MCI®-2005 NS Liquid, normal set version of MCI®-2005. Patented. 1.5 pts/yd3 (1.0 1/m3) 5 gal (19 l) pails, 55 gal (208 l) drumsReinforced concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, highways, decks, and lanais.

MCI®-2006Powder, amine carboxylate based concrete admixture. Can retard setting time 3-4 hours at 70º F (21º C). Patented.

1 lb/yd3 (0.6 kg/m3)5 lb (2.3 kg) boxes, 50 lb (22.7 kg) and 100 lb (45.4 kg) drums

Reinforced concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, highways, decks, and lanais.

MCI®-2006 NS Powder, normal set version of MCI®-2006. Patented. 1 lb/yd3 (0.6 kg/m3)5 lb (2.3 kg) boxes, 50 lb (22.7 kg) and 100 lb (45.4 kg) drums

Reinforced concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, highways, decks, and lanais.

MCI® GrenadesMCI®-2006 NS powder pre-dosed into water-soluble bags for admixing into concrete. Patented.

1 grenade/yd3 20 grenades/cartonReinforced concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, highways, decks, and lanais.

MCI® Metric Grenades

MCI®-2006 NS powder pre-dosed into water-soluble bags for admixing into concrete. Patented.

1 grenade/m3 20 grenades/cartonReinforced concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, highways, decks, and lanais.

MCI® Mini Grenades

MCI®-2006 NS powder pre-dosed into water-soluble bags for admixing into mortars. Patented.

1 grenade/0.5 ft3 100 grenades/cartonReinforced concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, highways, decks, and lanais. Small size for repair mortars and other low-volume jobs.

Supe

rpla

stic

izer

s w

ith

Amin

e Ca

rbox

ylat

e Ba

sed

MCI

MCI®-2007 Liquid, melamine based superplasticizer with MCI®. Patented. 3-4 pts/yd3 (1.5-2 l/m3) 5 gal (19 l) pails, 55 gal (208 l) drumsReinforced concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, highways, decks, and lanais.

MCI®-2007 P Powder, polycarboxylate based superplasticizer with MCI®.3.5-6.0 oz/100 lb (5-9 kg/m3) by weight of cement

5 lb (2.3 kg) boxes, 50 lb (22.7 kg) and 100 lb (45.4 kg) drums

For use in self leveling, self compacting concrete mix designs, particularly ‘low’ or ‘no’ slump applications. Reinforced concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, highways, decks, and lanais.

MCI®-2008 ViaCorr

Powder, polycarboxylate based superplasticizer for self compacting, self leveling concrete with MCI®.

0.4-0.6% by total weight of concrete mix.

5 lb (2.3 kg) boxes, 50 lb (22.7 kg) and 100 lb (45.4 kg) drums

For use in self leveling, self compacting concrete mix designs, particularly ‘low’ or ‘no’ slump applications. Reinforced concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, highways, decks, and lanais.

MCI®-2008 LLiquid, polycarboxylate based superplasticizer for self compacting, self leveling concrete with MCI®.

0.4-0.6% by total weight of concrete mix.

5 gal (19 l) pails, 55 gal (208 l) drumsFor use in self leveling, self compacting concrete mix designs, particularly ‘low’ or ‘no’ slump applications. Reinforced concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, highways, decks, and lanais.

a revolutionary way to extend the service life of structures.meaning they affect both anodic and...

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